The Red Indianfish, Red Foreheadfish, or Red Indian Fish is a fish species with the scientific name Pataecus fronto. This intriguing fish belongs to the family Pataecidae, which is a group of marine fishes commonly known as “spinycheek fishes.”
Description & Characteristics
The Pataecus fronto is a distinctive fish characterized by its vibrant reddish-orange coloration, particularly prominent on its forehead, which gives it the common name “Red Foreheadfish.” This fish can reach a maximum size of 27.0 centimeters. Its body is elongated and compressed, with a large head and a prominent snout. The eyes are positioned high on the head, giving it an almost “surprised” expression.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Pataecus fronto is primarily found in the depths of the ocean, inhabiting a depth range between 40.0 and 80.0 meters. It prefers environments in the mesopelagic zone, a region known as the “twilight zone” where sunlight barely penetrates. This marine zone is characterized by a gradual decline in light and a significant increase in pressure, making it a challenging habitat for many marine organisms. This species is typically found in the western Pacific Ocean, where it thrives in these deep-sea environments.
Taxonomy
The Pataecus fronto belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Pataecidae. Teleostei is a diverse group of bony fishes, representing a vast majority of fishes, while Perciformes is an order that includes many familiar fish species such as perch, bass, and tuna. The family Pataecidae, known as spinycheek fishes, comprises a small group of marine fishes with distinctive features, including spiny cheekbones and a distinctive appearance.
Feeding
The Pataecus fronto is a carnivore, primarily feeding on zoobenthos and zooplankton. Zoobenthos refers to organisms that live on the seabed, including invertebrates, algae, and bacteria, while zooplankton are small, drifting animals, such as copepods and krill. This diet reflects its adaptation to the deep-sea environment where it thrives.
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